New staff allocated in second wave

The government’s programme to increase Police staff numbers by 1250 over three years, sees 422 staff coming on board from July this year.

This second tranche of staffing allocations - part of the 2007/08 budget - brings the total number of new staff allocated to Police to 880.

Last year’s first tranche of staff were mainly targeted to the top priority area of improving frontline service north of Taupö.

Acting Commissioner Lyn Provost says community policing is the primary beneficiary of the new staff.

Some 120 additional sworn staff, on top of the 30 allocated in 2006/07, will be used to bolster all districts’ community approaches to crime.

“District Commanders are responsible for determining final deployments,” says Lyn.

“However, it is expected the majority of these staff will be formed into smaller community teams focusing on high-risk individuals and neighbourhoods.”

A further 47 staff have been allocated to road policing.

“These staff will focus on the key areas of alcohol and speed, with specific emphasis on rural arterial roads.”

The balance of staff have been allocated taking into account factors such as population, crime rates and geography.

The central North Island receives the majority of these staff - as outlined in the table below.

Staffing allocation for 2007/2008 financial year